This calendar is the place to find fun events happening throughout Grays Harbor County including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Westport, Ocean Shores, Elma, Montesano and beyond.
Have an event that isn’t listed? Please email events@GraysHarborTalk.com with the following information:
- Name of Event
- Date, time and location (name of business if applicable and complete address)
- Organizer(s) name
- Cost
- URL to purchase tickets
- Website URL
- SHORT description of event
- Photo
Our editors will review and post within a few business days.
Come have your jeans repaired, and learn both hand- and machine-mending techniques for garment repair!
Kelly Hogaboom of Bespoke Hogaboom (Aberdeen, WA) will be joined by Traci Kay Pryde of Pryde Hantverk (Graham, WA) to a Mending Lab in Hoquiam at ART HQx! Saturday June 18th!
They will be demonstrating jean and garment repair – you can bring YOUR item that needs to be mended or altered, and they will take a look! They will do as much mending as they can onsite, and they will also have resources to share about how to mend and care for your clothing for a more sustainable, cost-savings wardrobe.
Music provided by the wonderful DJ Ohms of Analog Boss!
FIVE STAR DEALERSHIPS’ SAND AND SAWDUST FESTIVAL
Ocean Shores, WA – June 10, 2022 – Come celebrate summer at the beach with one of the largest events in Ocean Shores – the Five Star Dealerships’ Sand and Sawdust Festival, June 24th through 26th. The free annual festival at the Ocean Shores Convention Center celebrates the forests and the beaches of the Washington State coast and the Olympic Peninsula in Grays Harbor.
At the Convention Center, the festival features the Chainsaw Art Show and Auction with 25 carvers creating pieces for the daily auction, more than 40 vendor booths, food booths, beer garden and bar, and live music.
On the beach is the Sandcastle Building Contest on Saturday,11am – 3pm. This year’s theme: The Beach is Calling! Families, friends and businesses are invited to join in the beach fun. Form Finders of Olympia will be building one of their signature sculptures Friday, conducting sandcastle workshops on Friday afternoon Saturday morning before the fun begins. They will be there to advise and encourage the teams. Teams of any size or composition can sign up on our website, at the Festival or Saturday morning on the beach. Cash prizes in twill be awarded to winners in three categories. Registration fee is $5 per person with a cap of $30 per team.
Around town watch the building of three sand sculptures in the Master Sand Sculpture Contest. Starting Thursday afternoon-Saturday afternoon the artists will be building their creations for Bennett’s Fish Shack (at the Convention Center), Playtime Family Fun, and Oyhut Bay. The sculptures will be on display until nature blows away the sand.
Also on the beach is the Sand Drawing Celebration by Justin the Circler, Friday and Saturday. Watch as the artists make amazing large geometric drawings in the sand, to be washed away by the next tide. Justin will offer a free class on Friday and Saturday morning, so everyone can make their own sand drawings – on 6 miles of beach!
The Chainsaw Art Show and Auction is one of the largest in the Northwest featuring 25 amazing carvers. In three days, there will be 100 or more chainsaw sculptures created, with an auction each day. Watch the artists at work, then purchase your favorite creations. We have international, pro, and semi-pro artists coming from all over the world – Argentina, Australia, California, Oregon, and the Northwest — all to celebrate this amazing art form. Friday and Saturday the program includes the audience favorite “quick carve” at 11am. The live auctions are Friday and Saturday, beginning at 5pm and Sunday at 2pm. The auctions typically last 3-4 hours.
The Festival begins on Friday June 24th, 11am-6pm, Saturday June 25th, 10am-6pm and runs through Sunday June 6th,10am-4pm. Activities take place at the 30,000 sq. ft Ocean Shores Convention Center, surrounding parking lots, and on the beach. Rain or shine there is space for everyone. The Convention Center is located at 120 W Chance a La Mer NW, just two blocks from the beach. https://tourismoceanshores.com/sand-and-sawdust-2021/
FIVE STAR DEALERSHIPS’ SAND AND SAWDUST FESTIVAL
Ocean Shores, WA – June 10, 2022 – Come celebrate summer at the beach with one of the largest events in Ocean Shores – the Five Star Dealerships’ Sand and Sawdust Festival, June 24th through 26th. The free annual festival at the Ocean Shores Convention Center celebrates the forests and the beaches of the Washington State coast and the Olympic Peninsula in Grays Harbor.
At the Convention Center, the festival features the Chainsaw Art Show and Auction with 25 carvers creating pieces for the daily auction, more than 40 vendor booths, food booths, beer garden and bar, and live music.
On the beach is the Sandcastle Building Contest on Saturday,11am – 3pm. This year’s theme: The Beach is Calling! Families, friends and businesses are invited to join in the beach fun. Form Finders of Olympia will be building one of their signature sculptures Friday, conducting sandcastle workshops on Friday afternoon Saturday morning before the fun begins. They will be there to advise and encourage the teams. Teams of any size or composition can sign up on our website, at the Festival or Saturday morning on the beach. Cash prizes in twill be awarded to winners in three categories. Registration fee is $5 per person with a cap of $30 per team.
Around town watch the building of three sand sculptures in the Master Sand Sculpture Contest. Starting Thursday afternoon-Saturday afternoon the artists will be building their creations for Bennett’s Fish Shack (at the Convention Center), Playtime Family Fun, and Oyhut Bay. The sculptures will be on display until nature blows away the sand.
Also on the beach is the Sand Drawing Celebration by Justin the Circler, Friday and Saturday. Watch as the artists make amazing large geometric drawings in the sand, to be washed away by the next tide. Justin will offer a free class on Friday and Saturday morning, so everyone can make their own sand drawings – on 6 miles of beach!
The Chainsaw Art Show and Auction is one of the largest in the Northwest featuring 25 amazing carvers. In three days, there will be 100 or more chainsaw sculptures created, with an auction each day. Watch the artists at work, then purchase your favorite creations. We have international, pro, and semi-pro artists coming from all over the world – Argentina, Australia, California, Oregon, and the Northwest — all to celebrate this amazing art form. Friday and Saturday the program includes the audience favorite “quick carve” at 11am. The live auctions are Friday and Saturday, beginning at 5pm and Sunday at 2pm. The auctions typically last 3-4 hours.
The Festival begins on Friday June 24th, 11am-6pm, Saturday June 25th, 10am-6pm and runs through Sunday June 6th,10am-4pm. Activities take place at the 30,000 sq. ft Ocean Shores Convention Center, surrounding parking lots, and on the beach. Rain or shine there is space for everyone. The Convention Center is located at 120 W Chance a La Mer NW, just two blocks from the beach. https://tourismoceanshores.com/sand-and-sawdust-2021/
FIVE STAR DEALERSHIPS’ SAND AND SAWDUST FESTIVAL
Ocean Shores, WA – June 10, 2022 – Come celebrate summer at the beach with one of the largest events in Ocean Shores – the Five Star Dealerships’ Sand and Sawdust Festival, June 24th through 26th. The free annual festival at the Ocean Shores Convention Center celebrates the forests and the beaches of the Washington State coast and the Olympic Peninsula in Grays Harbor.
At the Convention Center, the festival features the Chainsaw Art Show and Auction with 25 carvers creating pieces for the daily auction, more than 40 vendor booths, food booths, beer garden and bar, and live music.
On the beach is the Sandcastle Building Contest on Saturday,11am – 3pm. This year’s theme: The Beach is Calling! Families, friends and businesses are invited to join in the beach fun. Form Finders of Olympia will be building one of their signature sculptures Friday, conducting sandcastle workshops on Friday afternoon Saturday morning before the fun begins. They will be there to advise and encourage the teams. Teams of any size or composition can sign up on our website, at the Festival or Saturday morning on the beach. Cash prizes in twill be awarded to winners in three categories. Registration fee is $5 per person with a cap of $30 per team.
Around town watch the building of three sand sculptures in the Master Sand Sculpture Contest. Starting Thursday afternoon-Saturday afternoon the artists will be building their creations for Bennett’s Fish Shack (at the Convention Center), Playtime Family Fun, and Oyhut Bay. The sculptures will be on display until nature blows away the sand.
Also on the beach is the Sand Drawing Celebration by Justin the Circler, Friday and Saturday. Watch as the artists make amazing large geometric drawings in the sand, to be washed away by the next tide. Justin will offer a free class on Friday and Saturday morning, so everyone can make their own sand drawings – on 6 miles of beach!
The Chainsaw Art Show and Auction is one of the largest in the Northwest featuring 25 amazing carvers. In three days, there will be 100 or more chainsaw sculptures created, with an auction each day. Watch the artists at work, then purchase your favorite creations. We have international, pro, and semi-pro artists coming from all over the world – Argentina, Australia, California, Oregon, and the Northwest — all to celebrate this amazing art form. Friday and Saturday the program includes the audience favorite “quick carve” at 11am. The live auctions are Friday and Saturday, beginning at 5pm and Sunday at 2pm. The auctions typically last 3-4 hours.
The Festival begins on Friday June 24th, 11am-6pm, Saturday June 25th, 10am-6pm and runs through Sunday June 6th,10am-4pm. Activities take place at the 30,000 sq. ft Ocean Shores Convention Center, surrounding parking lots, and on the beach. Rain or shine there is space for everyone. The Convention Center is located at 120 W Chance a La Mer NW, just two blocks from the beach. https://tourismoceanshores.com/sand-and-sawdust-2021/
What’s better than making a new doormat? Making a new doormat and enjoying some mimosas. (Mimosas are for guests 21+) This class is part of our 12 Days of Christmas in July. Any guest who attends a workshop in July will be automatically entered into a drawing for 6 months of Free Signs. Each month our winner will be given a code for a free PYP workshop for the months of August 2022 – January 2023. Looking for a fun way to spruce up your front porch? Join us for our DIY doormat workshop! Select a design from our gallery. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint colors in the workshop. Cost for a workshop is $45 and pre-registration is required. Along with their doormat project, guests will also receive a free home kit. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Looking for a fun way to connect with friends or family? Join our most popular DIY workshop and create your own unique wood sign! This is no ordinary PYP workshop! Michelle from Uncork and Unwind will be leading us through a WINE FLIGHT TASTING (for guests 21+). To register for this class, select a wood project from our gallery. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint and wood stain colors in the workshop. Pre-registration is required. This class is part of our 12 Days of Christmas in July. Any guest who attends a workshop in July will be automatically entered into a drawing for 6 months of Free Signs. Each month our winner will be given a code for a free PYP workshop for the months of August 2022 – January 2023. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Join us for a special DIY workshop with our friends from The Sugar Canvas Boutique Bakery! In addition to creating a personalized wood sign from our gallery, you will be treated to a hands-on cookie decorating demonstration by The Sugar Canvas Boutique Bakery. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step. The cost for a workshop is $35 for guests and pre-registration is required. This workshop includes an added fee of $32 for the extra instruction time and cookie decorating supplies, which will be collected during the registration process. This class is part of our 12 Days of Christmas in July. Any guest who attends a workshop in July will be automatically entered into a drawing for 6 months of Free Signs. Each month our winner will be given a code for a free PYP workshop for the months of August 2022 – January 2023
Looking for a fun way to connect with friends or family? This class is part of our 12 Days of Christmas in July. Any guest who attends a workshop in July will be automatically entered into a drawing for 6 months of Free Signs. Each month our winner will be given a code for a free PYP workshop for the months of August 2022 – January 2023. Join our most popular DIY workshop and create your own unique wood sign! Select a wood project from our gallery. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint and wood stain colors in the workshop. Pre-registration is required. Along with creating a work of art project, we will be hosting trivia night! The theme is the movie Elf. Get a team of Elf trivia fans together and join us for a night of fun! We look forward to seeing you soon!
From Tokeland to Westport and Ocosta – Garage Sales Galore. More than 25 locations. For more information, call Westport-Grayland Chamber of Commerce at 360-268-9422. For the Application, go to https://ComeToWestport.com and click on the Events Calendar.. Maps for the 2022 event will be available online approximately one week before the event.
From Tokeland to Westport and Ocosta – Garage Sales Galore. More than 25 locations. For more information, call Westport-Grayland Chamber of Commerce at 360-268-9422. For the Application, go to https://ComeToWestport.com and click on the Events Calendar.. Maps for the 2022 event will be available online approximately one week before the event.
From Tokeland to Westport and Ocosta – Garage Sales Galore. More than 25 locations. For more information, call Westport-Grayland Chamber of Commerce at 360-268-9422. For the Application, go to https://ComeToWestport.com and click on the Events Calendar.. Maps for the 2022 event will be available online approximately one week before the event.
Washington Sea Grant is sponsoring a one-day Sea Safety and Survival Course (Drill Instructor) for commercial fishermen and charter boat operators.
This Coast Guard-approved workshop meets the training requirements of the Commercial Fishing Safety Act to conduct drills. Coursework combines lecture and hands-on experience with the safety and survival equipment now required for commercial fishing vessels. Participants will learn about emergency procedures and be trained to develop appropriate emergency drills for their own vessels.
What to bring: deck boots, survival suit and a change of clothes.
This is a one-day conference for rural and coastal nonprofits that provides information and training on the following topics-
• Communications
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Finance/Fiscal Management
• Nonprofit Management Nuts and Bolts
• Leadership – board and staff
• Adaptability
• Volunteer Management
The mission of Nonprofit Leaders Conference is to strengthen rural and coastal area nonprofits.
The Nonprofit Leaders Conference for Coastal and SW Washington became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the summer of 2015.
7:00am Check-in and grab breakfast 8:00am Program starts 5:00pm Program ends
Anatomy education is preventative care!
The best way to keep everyone safe and healthy is to make sure we all have the language to talk about our anatomy. Participants will deepen their knowledge of reproductive anatomy by making anatomy collages while they hear “the story of the egg” and “the story of the sperm.” We will offer a show and tell about period care products so that everyone knows their options and the pros and cons of various methods. Participants will leave the program equipped with the knowledge to better advocate and care for their bodies.
Registration fees are $0 thanks to sponsorship from Grays Harbor Community Foundation.
This event takes place at the Polson Museum.
To celebrate the reopening of the Polson Museum, join Museum Director John Larson and Hoquiam Librarian Katie Lutz with a discussion of what resources are available to the public for researching Grays Harbor history. Lutz and Larson will share their knowledge of online sites as well as those found in university, library and museum archives located regionally and beyond. Practical handouts will be provided at this museum open house event.
The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society will be hosting a Genealogy Café at the Hoquiam and Montesano libraries. Whether you’re new to genealogy or experienced, you’ll learn about local resources, as well as get individualized help using the library’s online resources and print materials. This free program is provided on a first come, first served basis, no registration is necessary. Drop-in anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Sat., April 8th.
Do you like plants? Why not get something new for your plant collection? To celebrate Earth Day, we’re hosting a plant swap at the Hoquiam Timberland Library! Bring a cutting or small potted plant and pick up a new plant to take home. WSU Master Gardeners will be available to help identify plants, give advice on their care, and answer other plant questions. You can come by the library the week before and ask staff for a free pot to transport plants for the program, or transplant day-of.
Join us for a lesson in beginner bird-watching presented by the Grays Harbor Audubon Society. there will be stories and a hands-on binocular demonstration. All ages welcome!
On Saturday, the Audubon will be offering a guided bird-walk in Oakville. Details will be announced at the workshop!
Local history collections of the Hoquiam area. Several businesses and private history collections on exhibit.
WDFW approves final coastal razor clam digs of the spring season beginning Thursday, May 4
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed the final coastal razor clam digs of the season can proceed as planned from May 4-14.
“This last tide series had lots of happy diggers, and we’re anticipating more of the same for this upcoming tide series to close out the season,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist.
On all open beaches – Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis – the daily limit is 20 razor clams instead of the usual 15. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 20 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition.
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. The most successful digging occurs within two hours before the listed time of low tide.
Digging is allowed from midnight until 12 p.m. only on May 4-10. Since low tides on May 11-14 are near or after 12 p.m., digging will be allowed from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. for those specific days only.
The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging allowed 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. on May 11-14 only):
- May 4, Thursday, 6:32 AM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 5, Friday, 7:10 AM; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 6, Saturday, 7:49 AM; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 7, Sunday, 8:31 AM; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 8, Monday, 9:15 AM; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 9, Tuesday, 10:03 AM; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 10, Wednesday, 10:57 AM; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 11, Thursday, 11:56 AM; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 12, Friday, 12:59 PM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 13, Saturday, 2:03 PM; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 14, Sunday, 3:03 PM; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
WDFW plans to announce tentative digging opportunities in early fall for the 2023-2024 season via the WDFW razor clam webpage. This summer, WDFW will monitor, domoic acid, a natural marine toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, that can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage and on the DOH webpage.
As in past years, WDFW is asking beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers – a small bird with gray wings and a white breast – by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the southwest coast. Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to live and thrive during nesting period, especially along the southern end on Twin Harbors – known as Midway Beach – and the north end of Long Beach.
Avoid leaving leftover food or trash – which attracts predators – on the beach and picnic areas, keep pets on a leash, stay out of dunes, and avoid areas which are clearly marked with posted signs. When driving on the beach, please respect the 25 MPH speed limit and enter only at designated access points. Stay on the hard-packed sand near the high tide line to avoid crushing clam beds and snowy plover nests.
Several sections of coastal beaches are closed to driving between now through Labor Day, except on days and hours when the recreational razor clam digging is open. These areas are clearly marked with signs.
To participate, razor clam diggers must purchase their new 2023-2024 recreational fishing or shellfishing licenses, available from hundreds of license vendors around the state. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
WDFW approves final coastal razor clam digs of the spring season beginning Thursday, May 4
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed the final coastal razor clam digs of the season can proceed as planned from May 4-14.
“This last tide series had lots of happy diggers, and we’re anticipating more of the same for this upcoming tide series to close out the season,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist.
On all open beaches – Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis – the daily limit is 20 razor clams instead of the usual 15. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 20 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition.
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. The most successful digging occurs within two hours before the listed time of low tide.
Digging is allowed from midnight until 12 p.m. only on May 4-10. Since low tides on May 11-14 are near or after 12 p.m., digging will be allowed from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. for those specific days only.
The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging allowed 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. on May 11-14 only):
- May 4, Thursday, 6:32 AM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 5, Friday, 7:10 AM; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 6, Saturday, 7:49 AM; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 7, Sunday, 8:31 AM; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 8, Monday, 9:15 AM; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 9, Tuesday, 10:03 AM; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 10, Wednesday, 10:57 AM; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 11, Thursday, 11:56 AM; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 12, Friday, 12:59 PM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 13, Saturday, 2:03 PM; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 14, Sunday, 3:03 PM; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
WDFW plans to announce tentative digging opportunities in early fall for the 2023-2024 season via the WDFW razor clam webpage. This summer, WDFW will monitor, domoic acid, a natural marine toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, that can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage and on the DOH webpage.
As in past years, WDFW is asking beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers – a small bird with gray wings and a white breast – by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the southwest coast. Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to live and thrive during nesting period, especially along the southern end on Twin Harbors – known as Midway Beach – and the north end of Long Beach.
Avoid leaving leftover food or trash – which attracts predators – on the beach and picnic areas, keep pets on a leash, stay out of dunes, and avoid areas which are clearly marked with posted signs. When driving on the beach, please respect the 25 MPH speed limit and enter only at designated access points. Stay on the hard-packed sand near the high tide line to avoid crushing clam beds and snowy plover nests.
Several sections of coastal beaches are closed to driving between now through Labor Day, except on days and hours when the recreational razor clam digging is open. These areas are clearly marked with signs.
To participate, razor clam diggers must purchase their new 2023-2024 recreational fishing or shellfishing licenses, available from hundreds of license vendors around the state. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
WDFW approves final coastal razor clam digs of the spring season beginning Thursday, May 4
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed the final coastal razor clam digs of the season can proceed as planned from May 4-14.
“This last tide series had lots of happy diggers, and we’re anticipating more of the same for this upcoming tide series to close out the season,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist.
On all open beaches – Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis – the daily limit is 20 razor clams instead of the usual 15. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 20 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition.
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. The most successful digging occurs within two hours before the listed time of low tide.
Digging is allowed from midnight until 12 p.m. only on May 4-10. Since low tides on May 11-14 are near or after 12 p.m., digging will be allowed from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. for those specific days only.
The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging allowed 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. on May 11-14 only):
- May 4, Thursday, 6:32 AM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 5, Friday, 7:10 AM; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 6, Saturday, 7:49 AM; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 7, Sunday, 8:31 AM; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 8, Monday, 9:15 AM; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 9, Tuesday, 10:03 AM; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 10, Wednesday, 10:57 AM; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 11, Thursday, 11:56 AM; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 12, Friday, 12:59 PM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 13, Saturday, 2:03 PM; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
- May 14, Sunday, 3:03 PM; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging allowed 4 AM until 4 PM only)
WDFW plans to announce tentative digging opportunities in early fall for the 2023-2024 season via the WDFW razor clam webpage. This summer, WDFW will monitor, domoic acid, a natural marine toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, that can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage and on the DOH webpage.
As in past years, WDFW is asking beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers – a small bird with gray wings and a white breast – by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the southwest coast. Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to live and thrive during nesting period, especially along the southern end on Twin Harbors – known as Midway Beach – and the north end of Long Beach.
Avoid leaving leftover food or trash – which attracts predators – on the beach and picnic areas, keep pets on a leash, stay out of dunes, and avoid areas which are clearly marked with posted signs. When driving on the beach, please respect the 25 MPH speed limit and enter only at designated access points. Stay on the hard-packed sand near the high tide line to avoid crushing clam beds and snowy plover nests.
Several sections of coastal beaches are closed to driving between now through Labor Day, except on days and hours when the recreational razor clam digging is open. These areas are clearly marked with signs.
To participate, razor clam diggers must purchase their new 2023-2024 recreational fishing or shellfishing licenses, available from hundreds of license vendors around the state. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
